Did your invitation to the Royal Wedding get lost in the mail? (I know mine certainly did!) If you’re nursing the blues from missing one of the most talked about social events of the year, I might just have something that will help cheer you up – The CAPA Gala Fashionably Late Party.

This exciting event on May 21 includes a cocktail party at the Ohio Theatre, complimentary wine and beer (cash bar for mixed drinks), desserts by Cameron Mitchell Catering, and outdoor dancing on the esplanade overlooking the Columbus Commons.

And perhaps the best part about this see-and-be-seen event…it’s affordable! Tickets are only $45.

Mark your calendars! Click here to get your tickets, or call 614-469-0939 to get your tickets. Join me in enjoying a cocktail (or two), breaking-in the dancin’ shoes, and having a fabulously good time at CAPA’s Fashionably Late Party May 21 from 9-11:30pm.

Wow, lady! You look good for 83! Better than ever, I’d say. But I guess I’m kind of biased. See, I have the distinct honor to work within your walls each day, and have I ever mentioned to you how grateful I am for that?

As a fellow March baby, there are several things I think we have in common. Pisces is a mutable sign, which indicates that you’re a restless soul, always longing for movement. Boy, is that an understatement! You’re not one to settle for a night off, Ohio Theatre. I believe you’re at your best when your marquee is lit, your stage is full, and your audiences are cheering.

When your doors first opened on March 17, 1928, you were christened the Loew’s and United Artist’s Ohio Theatre (although now you go only by your surname – how very Cher of you!). Your first love was movies, and you premiered new ones every Thursday. In the 1930s-50s, that meant two films, cartoons, newsreels, and organ interludes. Eventually though, as folks flocked to the suburbs and their shiny new televisions, attendance dropped and your hallowed halls were in jeopardy of being demolished. Luckily, at the tender age of 41, a newly organized group called CAPA (or the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) raised the money to purchase you and dutifully restore every possible authentic detail. It must have felt so wonderful to once more get the attention you deserve.

For many years prior to your renovation, you were referred to as “the shabby old dowager of State Street.” Now you are the “Official Theatre for the State of Ohio” and a vital part of downtown Columbus. Nothing pleases me more than to see your marquee lit up on a beautiful Ohio evening. As you continue to grow and shift with the times, one thing will certainly never change – we are so very fortunate to have you!

And now, Ohio Theatre, this is your life! (Or at least some very entertaining anecdotes from it…)

Regular organ use ended in 1942 when Roger Garrett, the resident organist from 1933-42, enlisted in World War II. The “Mighty Morton” theatre organ currently used during the CAPA Summer Movie Series and other special events is the very same organ that Roger Garrett used to play.

Your lower level used to house what was referred to as the “Africa Corner.” Anne Dornan, one of the first women to graduate from the Columbia School for Architecture, went on an African safari to procure just the right accoutrement for the corner which was decorated with, among other things, zebra hides and elk heads.

I alluded earlier to the fact that we’re birthday buddies, our special days falling just 4 days apart. You turn 83 this year, and I was born in the great year of 1983. I did some research and was able to find the number of patrons that have entered your doors since that great year. It’s a big number. Are you ready for it? 8,528,985 people! That’s more than 10 times the current population of Columbus! Your attendees over the past 28 years could fill Ohio Stadium more than 80 times.

Thank you, Ohio Theatre, from just one of many people that have been lucky enough to work for you over the years. We appreciate you more than you know.

For the last three years and nine months, I have had the pleasure of working for CAPA in support of its theatres, operations, and impact here in the central Ohio community. Today is my last day.

(And not to worry–I’m leaving for very positive reasons.)

During my time here, I have gotten to work with some incredibly amazing folks, co-workers and donors alike. The people behind the scenes at CAPA have been its hallmark from the very beginning, when a small group of arts supporters from the community worked together to save the Ohio Theatre from imminent destruction nearly 42 years ago. Though the faces have changed over time (mostly — one of CAPA’s founders is still on the board and is actively involved!), the quality of the people that support CAPA from both inside and out has never ceased to amaze me. Staff, board, volunteers, donors… it’s across the board.

Which brings me to the final thought of my time here–a giant round of thanks to all the donors that I’ve had the pleasure to meet at events, chat with on the phone, or with whom I’ve exchanged notes. Even on days that weren’t my best, getting to see the support for CAPA’s theatres, programs, and impact in our community always made a difference to me and has moved me to do good work. Even as I leave, I look forward to the opportunity to stay involved in the work here by donating and by joining the more than 500,000 people that see shows in our theatres each year.

The selection process for films for the 2011 CAPA Summer Movie Series has begun! Summer may seem a long way off, but not for us when it comes to the Summer Movie Series. It’s a long process with lots of moving parts, but the dates have been booked and now we start piecing together titles.

However, before we start, we need help from you. We are always talking to patrons, ushers, friends, and family members to find out what movies folks would like to see. This year, we’re taking that one step further. CAPA is happy to announce that for the first time in Summer Movie Series history, we will show a “Fan Favorite Film” in the 2011 series. This will be a film suggested by a Summer Movie Series fan and voted upon by other fans. Wouldn’t it be great to take your friends and family to a movie at the magnificent Ohio Theatre this summer knowing you had a part in selecting that movie?

We hope you’re as excited as we are to add our first ever “Fan Favorite Film” to the 2011 season!

Here’s how you can help select the 2011 “Fan Favorite Film:”

1) Nominate your “Fan Favorite” in the first round of nominations!* On the nomination form, be sure to let us know why you want to see the film at the Summer Movie Series this year!

2) The nomination period will close Friday, January 7, 2011Friday, January 14, 2011! From here, we’ll tabulate which films were the most popular, and put out a final vote to you – the fans – on the top five nominees. The top voted upon film will be 2011 CAPA Summer Movie Series “Fan Favorite Film!”

*Editors’ Note: The first round of nominations have closed for the 2011 Summer Movie Series Fan Favorite! Check the CAPA.com blog soon to find out which of your films made it to the final round of voting!

One of the biggest Broadway shows I’ve been looking forward to all year is ROCK OF AGES, coming to the Palace Theatre December 7-12. Its a love story told to the greatest arena rock hits of the 80’s – NIGHT RANGER, STYX, PAT BENETAR, and so on. And in my personal opinion: anything that involves 80’s rock has to be pretty…well, rockin’!

Earlier this week, I had the chance to sit down with MiG AYESA, who plays hard rocker STACEE JAXX in the touring production. We talked about their life on the road as rock stars, the show itself, and what our resident rockstars plan on doing once they come to Columbus!

Joe: So with touring with the show, you guys really do travel like rock stars! What’s the craziest thing that’s happened on the tour so far?

MiG: Besides us being evacuated from the Colonial Theatre just seconds before starting our first show in Boston, crazy things happen on an hourly basis. However one of my fave moments come at the “Hot Mess” award ceremony, on the mornings of our travel days. Because not only is the holy trophy awarded, the stories that come with the nominations and the winning candidate blows my mind. (Names have been excluded to protect the innocent… and the guilty).

Joe: Subsequently, what has been the best part of touring with the show? What have you enjoyed most about being a part of this show?

MiG: The best thing about this tour is that it gets a fresh start every couple of weeks. We open to a new city, a new theatre, a new environment… It keeps the show fresh and keeps us on our toes. How we adapt to the new places is a tough task but I am so proud of how our cast and crew rise to the challenge every time. I’m also still very much a tourist and although I’ve travelled a lot around the USA, I am really getting to spend quality time in places I have never been to or just passed through.
Joe: Do you have any time off while you are in Columbus? If so, what will you be looking forward to seeing while you are here?

MiG: We have a few days off during the day (no fully free days-to-nights!) and I hear the Fort Rapids Indoor Water park is a blast. Love a good water slide…

Joe: Talk to us about ROCK OF AGES. When people come to the show/concert, what are we going to see and feel?

MiG: They are going to see the loudest, most bad-assed awesome show they never thought they’d see. It may shock some people, it may move some people but it will rock everyone. Be expected to have the best time you’ve ever had at the theatre. It’s not a show, it’s an earthquake.

Joe: What is your favorite song in the show?

MiG: Wanted Dead or Alive. It sparkles…

The show start THIS TUESDAY, December 7th, at the Palace Theatre, and runs through Sunday, December 12. The show also features former American Idol Constantine Maroulis, reprising his critically acclaimed role on Broadway as Drew, and Broadway veteran Rebecca Faulkenberry as Sherrie. You can still get great tickets – just call 614-469-0939, visit the Ticket Office at the Ohio Theatre, or click here to get yours online from Ticketmaster. There are still plenty of ways to win your way into the opening night performance on Tuesday – just visit our Facebook Page to learn how!

With the national tour of CATS coming to the Palace Theatre this weekend (November 19-21), it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t take the time to stop and talk to our two homegrown talents that are among the cast of the show. Chaz Wolcott (who plays Mr. Mistoffelees) and Nathan Morgan (who plays several of the CATS throughout the weekend) both call Columbus their original home. Since then, they have both toured the world on different shows. CATS will be the first time that both Chaz and Nathan have come home to play their native stage. We talked to them about coming back home on the national tour of CATS, what they’re looking forward to, and the best parts about life on the road.

Columbus' Chaz Wolcott and Nathan Morgan from the national touring production of CATS

Q: It must be great being able to return to your hometown on the tour of CATS. What emotions come out when you are playing in Columbus?

Chaz: I’m so excited to perform in Columbus for the first time in over 10 years! It’s so bittersweet to be performing in the very theatre that I went to as a child to see the magic of Broadway tours.

Nathan: I’m very proud of Columbus, so first, I’m happy to share it with my cast! How does it feel to come here to perform? Like riding a roller coaster! I am feeling a range of emotions from excitement to fear. I don’t want to let people down…especially not the hometown audience! I’m also excited to show my high school friends and teachers who I have become, both as a person, and as a performer. In short, I can’t wait…but I’m very nervous!

Q: What has been the best part of touring with CATS? Are there any highlights that come to mind?
Chaz: One of the most inspirational things about this job is to see the children experience the magic that this show is capable of showing them. I love passing the “performing bug” on to the next generation!
Nathan: Well, I love every place I’ve been, but I would be telling a half truth if I didn’t single out Central and South America! Last year we got to perform for six weeks in Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Panama! I actually took a zip line tour of the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica! I also was able to go snorkeling off of the Island of Tortuga! It is amazing to get to see so much of the world (and get paid for it!) I have two states left to see in the USA, and Hawaii is on the schedule for this year! Now, if I could just find a tour going to Alaska…I think Columbus will also rank pretty high on the list of amazing visits!

Q: Now that you’re back in Columbus for the weekend, is there anything in particular you are looking forward to? Anywhere you plan on going between performances?

Chaz: I’m a huge Buckeye fan, so I can’t wait to be back around other Buckeyes! “Hang on Sloopy”!! And I must have a Terita’s Pizza!
Nathan: I get to spend time with friends and family! I don’t often get to visit, and I can’t wait to spend as much time with them as I can! I was also looking forward to Spinnaker’s, but I hear that is now gone. So sad! I guess I’ll have to get a Donato’s Pizza instead! I wonder if they still have that Mariachi beef? Ok, my mouth is watering!

Q: Tell us about the production. What can we expect when you take the stage for CATS at the Palace Theatre?

Chaz: I think this show has something for everybody. I always say if you don’t like one part, wait five minutes and something very different will grace the stage! There’s such a variety of music styles & dance styles, and the show is extremely family friendly. It inspired me to become a performer and I hope our tour continues to do that for audiences!
Nathan: Well, you can expect, certainly, an escape from reality for 2.5 hours! CATS is a great show for the whole family, and there’s something in it for everyone! No matter who you are, or what you’ve been through in life, there is someone on that stage with whom you can relate! I think that’s why this show has been so successful! The more one sees it, the more they find themselves in the characters. I’ll be playing Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones for the Saturday matinee, and I personally plan on bringing three COMPLETELY different characters to life. I hope the audience doesn’t even realize that just one person is performing the three roles! Also, the entire cast is wonderful, and I am proud to share the stage with each of them! Columbus is going to have a great time at CATS, and the cats are going to have a great time in Columbus!

We’re grateful that Chaz and Nathan both took the time to talk to us about their experience with CATS, and we’ll look forward to seeing them on stage! Great tickets are still available for this weekend’s performances of CATS – to buy tickets, call 614-469-0939, visit the CAPA Ticket Office at the Ohio Theatre, or click here to order from Ticketmaster!

Well, here we are again—ready to kick off another CAPA season. The upcoming year is pretty exciting with a few Columbus debuts, some acts Columbus hasn’t seen in a while, and some dear friends that will be making their annual return to our great venues once again.

Hard to believe we were booking hotels and catering for Thanksgiving weekend’s presentation of A Christmas Carol and December’s Dave Koz show when its 90 degrees outside. It seems like summer just began, but it makes you realize that winter, unfortunately, is not too far away.

We had a couple of instances this year where we were one show short on both our Spectrum Series and Family Series. Then, out of nowhere, we received a call saying the Temptations happened to have an open date in November. It’s been years since they played Columbus and are always such a pleasure to work with, so we opened our doors and welcomed this legendary act once again. A couple days later, we received word that one of the hottest children’s shows around, Imagination Movers, wanted to stop in Columbus on their upcoming tour. Funny how things work out sometimes.

There are some exciting dance presentations this season too—Ailey II will return and perform “Revelations” for the first time in Columbus and the Complexions Contemporary Ballet will make their Columbus debut in the spring. Also, after almost 10 years, we were finally able to secure a date for the always-in-demand Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

Something I am always happy about is when we have the opportunity to engage our artists in educational components while in Columbus. Punch Brothers and Tiempo Libre will each hold a music master class, and Ailey II will conduct a dance master class. It means a lot to students to be able to interact with professional artists, so any time we can incorporate education elements, we definitely do.

Thanks again for all your interest in and attendance at our presentations. Without your support, none of it would be possible. It makes me think of a line from the film Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come.” Our season is built, and we now hope you will come—and enjoy.

Our guest blogger this week is Mindy Hayward. Mindy is the Marketing Manager for BalletMet, and has been working with CAPA & Broadway Across America as a Marketing Consultant for WICKED. Mindy has worked on both engagements of WICKED in Columbus, which makes her an expert on the topic of all things revolving around the show.

The Ohio Theatre is a flurry of excitement as the Broadway blockbuster WICKED prepares to open a 5-week engagement starting on Wednesday. Load-in (when the stage crew starts to install sets, lights, etc.) began Monday, so I had to sneak down to the theatre and take a peek. To say the room was “electric” doesn’t begin to describe the atmosphere.

In the back of the theatre, electricians were running cables for WICKED’s extensive light control board. Dozens of stagehands were preparing the well-known Time Dragon proscenium to be hung above the historic Ohio Theatre stage. Even a casual observer would know this show is something special.

Others have been working behind the scenes for months. Immediately after WICKED closed in Columbus in 2007, booking teams in New York and Columbus began working on return dates for the production. For the past few months, marketing and public relations teams have been helping to spread the word about WICKED, and ticketing teams have been hard at work filling group and individual ticket requests so that every WICKED fan has an opportunity to see this amazing show.

“The untold story of the Wizard of Oz” played to 66,000 people when it first visited Columbus in 2007. If you weren’t able to see it then, you definitely won’t want to miss it this time. Find out what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. Tickets are still available! Join us at the Ohio Theatre this summer as the Land of Oz comes to life as you’ve never seen it before.

It’s hard to believe this is the 40th CAPA Summer Movie Series, presented by PNC. After being involved in one form or another for the past 19 years, I know it takes a lot of work and a lot of people to put it together, and I am proud to be a part of it.

We usually start looking at the movie lineup in December. Lance Carwile, consultant for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, operates as a liaison between CAPA and the big movie companies like SONY Pictures, Warner Brothers, Criterion, etc., and will contact the movie companies, book the films, and send the contracts to CAPA. Let’s just say, without Lance, this would be a much more difficult process.

Assigning dates to the films is the most complicated and time-consuming part of the process. Many 35mm prints may not be available on the dates we request, so we shuffle things around until the entire puzzle fits together.

There are two things about the Series that still amaze me even after so many years. First is the fact that after 40 years, we are still able to present “series premieres.” You would think we would have shown every movie ever made by now!

Secondly, watching the crowds arrive and seeing their excitement is still an awesome feeling. In talking to folks over the years, it seems an evening at the Summer Movie Series is much more than just attending a movie. It is an event. It’s being greeted at the front door by the CAPA ushers, listening to the magnificent “Mighty Morton” theatre organ prior to the show, and escaping reality for a little while to enjoy a great film you wouldn’t otherwise be able see on the big screen. It’s the experience the architect of the theatre wanted you to have since opening the doors of this movie show palace in 1928.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the thousands of folks coming through the doors of the Ohio Theatre for the Summer Movie Series again. Some may be attending for the first time, and some may have been here so many times, they could give a tour of the theatre themselves! Whether it’s a date night or a treat for the children or grandchildren, you just have to love the Summer Movie Series.

CAPA has received arts employment support from the Ohio Arts Council made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts through funds allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.